Óshlíð

Connecting the small town of Hnífsdalur and Bolungarvik is a 4-mile cliff-side road that was reputed to be the most dangerous road in the world. Before its construction in the 1950s, residents of Bolungarvik could only reach Hnífsdalur and beyond by hiking over a steep hill. The road provided a much needed transportation route. Unfortunately, the road hugs the side of a precipitous mountain, boulders the size of small cars can rain down unexpectedly. Add to it the relentless battering from the Arctic Ocean, continuous erosion made maintaining the winding road a challenge.

In 1973, a 19-year old passenger Kristinn Haukur Jóhannesson was thrown from a taxi and died as it plunged off the road. Police reports noted that the steering wheel was not connected but investigators could not determine if its malfunction was the cause of the accident. Three other passengers--none wearing a seatbelt--survived without any serious injuries. Fifty-years since the incident, police has reopened the case per the request of the victim's family who pointed out that the car was too new to have a malfunction and the taxi driver too experienced to miss the sharp turn. 

In an attempt to improve the road's safety, the government built a series of concrete shelters in the 1990s to provide drivers some respite in case of landslide. These shelters proved less than adequate and the road was finally closed in 2010 when a new tunnel was opened.

The route is now a favorite spot for runners, cyclists, and those looking for a scenic walk. In addition to being littered with giant boulders and flanked by eroded sides, the shelters have also become excellent graffiti spots. There are some truly spooky works.

At the Bolungavik's end of the road is the Ósvör Maritime Museum where one can visit traditional fish-drying huts guided by a retired fisherman decked in original sheepskin fishing gear.